A Micro-grid connected PV system with MPPT converter

Abstract

This report shall summarise the progress and results from the Final Year Project over a period of 2 semesters, at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. In the previous Final Year Project, a MPPT algorithm was developed in LabVIEW.

The main objective of this project is to propose a new Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm in LabVIEW and implement the algorithm to control a set of CPT power converter from Australia. The CPT power converter would harness

energy from an array of Photovoltaic Panels and feed it into the Microgrid. The Chroma Photovoltaic Simulator is used to ensure that the MPPT algorithm is able to perform the correct tracking operation.

The primary means of communicating with the CPT converter involves using the MODBUS communication protocols. This will allow the MPPT algorithm to send commands and receive readings from the CPT power converter.

The new MPPT algorithm is a hybrid algorithms comprising the Current Sweep and the Estimate-P&O-P&O MPPT algorithm. The performance of the new MPPT algorithm had been compared with the previous FYP MPPT algorithm, with the new MPPT algorithm having a maximum tracking efficiency of up to 99.32%, while the

old MPPT algorithm achieved up to a maximum tracking efficiency up to 96.37%.

The MPPT algorithm has been tested using the real Photovoltaic Panels and is able to feed electricity into the Microgrid without any faults and continue to operate smoothly. The new MPPT algorithm is able to reduce the oscillation of its operating point near the Maximum Power Point compared to the P&O algorithm.